France's last WWI veteran dies

France’s last First World War veteran has died at the age of 110, it was announced today.

President Nicolas Sarkozy released a statement expressing “deep emotion” at the death of Lazare Ponticelli.

No cause of death was given.

France planned a national funeral ceremony honouring the last “poilu” - meaning hairy or tough – as French Great War veterans were known.

Germany’s last veteran from the war died on New Year’s Day this year.